Kurfürstliches Palais (Electoral Palace), Trier

The Electoral Palace was built on the site of the old Roman area and is next door to the Basilica of Constantine. The Electoral Palace was built between 1615 and 1676 and is one of the world's most beautiful examples of a Rococo palace.

At the end of the 16th century, archbishop Johann von Schönenberg planned to build a Renaissance-style palace here. Electoral Prince Lothar von Metternich began construction on the lower palace, which was completed around 1650. The Petersburg Portal dates to the 1620s, and the Red Tower was completed in 1647. Construction on the upper palace stalled during the Thirty Years' War.

In the mid-18th century, Archbishop-Elector Johann IX Philipp von Walderdorff built the south wing in the Rococo style and added Baroque gardens.

The Trier Electoral Princes used the palace as a residence until 1794 when French revolutionary forces captured the palace and used it as a barracks. When the Basilica of Constantine was renovated in 1850, the palace's west wing was demolished. However, the south wing was preserved with its beautiful interior and impressive staircase.

The palace was damaged during World War II. Today, the Grand Chamber in the Rococo south wing hosts classical music concerts. The palace gardens are open to the public and feature a large pond and several beautiful statues.